Keep or return: black AT blazer (a different one)

Kate

Ok, I returned the shoulder pad blazers to Ann Taylor, and tried this one on even though it's a LOT more than I was planning on spending. And of course I love it, and bought it.

Because it was $140 (and that's after 40% off!), it needs to meet all of these criteria to be a keeper:

- be killer
- work with jeans and with more formal clothes (for teaching and academic conferences)
- still be in style in 5ish years

Here it is online: http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

All feedback is welcome and encouraged!

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15 years ago

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Debora

Ljubica

Active Member

I think it is meeting all of your criteria.
It's perfect and timeless.

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Thumbs up from me! In fact - I ordered the same one yesterday! I tried it on in the store a week or so ago and loved it, but was waiting for a sale. 40% was good incentive. I love wearing blazers with jeans, and I think it's a great one.

15 years ago

Reneeb

Veteran

I love the jacket and it will be timeless. I like that jacket better than the one with shoulder pads it is worth a little more money.(or maybe allot more money) Glad you got one too Tarzy that jacket looks like you.

15 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

I think it looks perfect.

15 years ago

dottie

Active Member

The best accessory is that killer smile. Blazer fit looks terrific & classic.

15 years ago

Stephanie

Veteran

It looks good on you. But if I were going to spend a lot of money on a jacket--and I don't mean to be the only negative person here--I myself would want some kind of natural fiber, likely a lightweight wool or wool-blend. (I may just have an irrational aversion to synthetics--I don't mind them, in general, but I don't consider them when it comes to investment pieces.)

15 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Good point Stephanie. If I didn't live in AZ I would certainly consider wool, but it's just too hot for me to use a wool blazer for more than 4 months of the year here (I actually sold my wool suit for that reason).

Thanks for all of the feedback ladies! I'm hoping Angie chimes in so that I can be 100% confident with my purchase!

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I love this one and agree it meets all of your criteria! Sometimes the extra $$ is worth it in the end...

15 years ago

taylor

Veteran

The beauty of this jacket Kate is, ...
This triacetate blend fabric is exclusive to Ann Taylor. It is their trademark fabric and in 2-3-5 yrs...they will still have the exact fabric and color if you ever wish to add a skirt or pant...this has never changed and what makes it truly a staple in your wardrobe..

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

It fits you beautifully, and has nice, subtle details.

It's definitely a great piece on you, and you obviously love it. You must keep it.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I hate to be the party pooper but I think that for the price I would like to see a natural fabric blend as well. I am familiar with this AT blend and I find it a tad "matronly" for lack of better words, but what do I know? I have a lot of cobwebs in my head.

15 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I love it and think it looks wonderful on you. The fact that you can add pieces to it to me is a big plus.

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Wow - I'm surprised at some of these comments. I wonder if the people making these comments have actually seen this particular item? I don't find this blazer matronly or cheap looking at all. Having tried it on, and subsequently ordered it myself, I think the fabric adds a touch of dressiness to the style, which is understated and nicely cut. In my opinion. (Inside joke for anyone who watches "The Good Wife.")

I understand the point people are making about natural fabrics oftentimes being best, and in fact, I rarely buy synthetics, but it's not like this particular jacket is a cheap polyester. AT, for the most part, uses very nice fabrics. Of course, we all have our own preferences, but I think this is a very nice piece, and Kate - I think you look fabulous in the pictures!

15 years ago

Late Bloomer

(website)

Active Member

I like that it has some current touches. Not exactly a classic blazer but that's good. Perfect for semi cool winters we get in southern AZ.

If the fabric feels good to you it will be fine. I agree wool won't work if you want something you can wear more than a couple of months.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Tarzy - In my opinion...I love The Good Wife...

Please allow me to expand on my comment since I am the person who used the word "matronly" to describe the fabric, not the jacket. I don't think anyone here used the word cheap, I doubt AT would sell something that looks "cheap". As my previous comment stated, I have owned items with the same fabric blend, which is exclusive of AT, as taylor explained and no, I have not seen the jacket IRL. That is the shortcoming, often times in this forum we resort to give an opinion on items without seeing them in person.

Kate, never mind me:)

15 years ago

Sally

Veteran

Its a really really nice blazer and fits you really well. I can see you being able to wear it in a million different ways so as long as the fabric holds, you will really get your mileage out of it and that will mean it is not expensive at all.
I am not able to contribute to the discussion as far as cost goes because that wouldn't be that much for a jacket in my part of the world. It would the middle range.

15 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

With the edition of a necklace I think the jacket is a 10 but I'm always dubious of spending money with the proviso 'I will wear it in 5 years' because who knows where fashion will head or how our tastes will change .(I know Angie disagrees with me on this point)

Tarzy I'm excited to see this jacket on you!

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I think it's a very pretty blazer that fits you fabulously. What exactly are we debating?

Synthetic vs. natural is an increasingly blurred line to me. Synthetic fabrics of today are not the same as they were in 1974. And really, not to be snarky, but has anyone here actually done any research on triacetate? Here are the properties:

* Shrink resistant
* Wrinkle resistant
* Easily washable
* Generally washable at high temperatures
* Maintains creases and pleats well

Sounds good to me. Natural fibers have their drawbacks too.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Keep! The fit is great and the style is lovely. I'm a big fan of the fabric. It's great for trips as it doesn't wrinkle. It feels good on.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Maya - 1974 was a very good year
In all honesty, I just expressed my opinion based on my personal likes or dislikes. I am far from an expert. I guess I stand corrected.

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I think the jacket looks gorgeous on you! I found the discussion about the fabric very interesting. I see more and more often what I consider to be pricey items made out of pure synthetics. Because I am prone to sweating especially when "on stage" I would just be sure it is breathable enough for your needs. The collar detailing is really perfect on you. Also be sure that you can raise your arms and gesture like you would when teaching. I might consider sewing the pockets shut to keep the lines streamlined but I could be nuts too.

15 years ago

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Perfection!! I love it on you!

15 years ago

Bookarella

Veteran

I think it looks great on you!

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Oh Zap, I hope we weren't ganging up on you! I feel compelled to stick up for synthetics. Some of them are ghastly but so are a lot of natural fabrics. It all depends on the use and the circumstances.

15 years ago

Evie

Active Member

Perfect fit. You look fab!

15 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Lovely. The collar has such a soft "feel" to it. I saw this in the store and really liked it! I'd keep it!

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I think it's beautiful. I say "keep!"

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

It fits you really, really well, and the neckline is perrrrfect for you. Like Scarlet, I am seeing a lot more synthetic stuff out there, even at higher price points. I think AT is known for their suit separates made out of this fabric. It is renowned for being versatile, long-wearing, resistant to wrinkles, and easy to care for, so what's not to like :)?

15 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Wow, it looks like this one is definitely a keeper! Unless Angie chimes in with a game changing "don't do it!" I'll be cutting the price tag off and hanging it up in the closet. Thanks for all of your help!!!

15 years ago

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